About the prize
The Paul Panda Farnana Prize annually celebrates a strong partnership between the University of Antwerp and a partner in the Global South that exemplifies equitable collaboration, mutual learning, and social impact.
Named in honour of Paul Panda Farnana (1888-1930), the first Congolese graduate of Belgian higher education and a dedicated advocate for African emancipation, the prize recognises partnerships that continue his vision of justice, equality, and the empowerment of communities.
Through this prize, the University of Antwerp highlights initiatives that bridge academia and society, foster long-term cooperation, and create reciprocal learning opportunities between partners in the Global North and South. By doing so, the award not only honours outstanding partnerships but also inspires others to ‘globally engage’ in the academic world.
Purpose
Through this prize, the University of Antwerp seeks to highlight and strengthen its global engagement and societal relevance by rewarding partnerships that foster reflection and dialogue on:
- equitable north-south partnerships
- decolonisation
- global citizenship
- anti-racism
- epistemology and knowledge violence
- development cooperation
- global citizenship education
The prize acknowledges both academic and civil-society collaborations, where researchers, students, alumni and partner organisations work together to create meaningful impact.
Prize
The award consists of a prize of 1,500 EUR* and a symbolic artwork referring to the principles of Global Engagement.
*Should be submitted as reportable expenses through the VLIRUOS system, in accordance with the financing rules.
Get inspired by last years winners!
Fanarenana Rehabilitation Centre Madagascar Partnership
Who can be nominated?
The Paul Panda Farnana Prize recognises partnerships in which the University of Antwerp is involved, including:
collaborations between universities or research institutions
partnerships between the university and civil-society organisations
initiatives led by academic staff, researchers, students, or alumni
Partnerships can involve inter-university initiatives as well as collaborations between universities and civil society. Academic staff, researchers at any career stage, and alumni can be the principal actors in these partnerships.
You may nominate a partnership you are involved in, or nominate colleagues whose collaboration deserves recognition.
Please keep in mind the key principles of strong partnerships recognised by the Academic Committee:
Societal relevance: The partnership reaches beyond academia, engaging non-academic actors or communities to contribute to social change.
Sustainability: The collaboration extends beyond a single project, demonstrating a shared vision and long-term impact. If this is a new collaboration, the potential for long-term collaboration is also taken into account.
Reciprocity: The partnership shows genuine co-creation and balance between the interests and needs of partners in the Global North and South.
How to nominate
Nominations may be submitted by members of the University of Antwerp community: students, staff, and alumni via the online nomination at the bottom of this page.
When completing the form, please keep in mind the key principles of strong partnerships recognised by the Academic Committee:
Societal relevance: The partnership reaches beyond academia, engaging non-academic actors or communities to contribute to social change.
Sustainability: The collaboration extends beyond a single project, demonstrating a shared vision and long-term impact.
Reciprocity: The partnership shows genuine co-creation and balance between the interests and needs of partners in the Global North and South.
Each nomination should include:
Name of the nominee(s): The principal actor(s) or team leading the partnership.
Description of the partnership: Include the institutions involved, key activities, and intended social or developmental impact.
Rationale for the nomination: Explain how the partnership aligns with the objectives of the Global Engagement Strategic Framework and the three core dimensions above.
(Optional) Supporting materials: Attach visuals or short documents illustrating the partnership (max. 5MB).
Jury award and selection
The Paul Panda Farnana Prize is awarded annually. We will check with each nomination if the parties involved in the partnership accept the nomination. The Academic Committee will select the winner.
Submit your nomination
Are you inspired by a partnership or know a project that truly embodies this prize? Nominate it using the form below!
Save these dates:
Nomination period opens: 20 november 2025
Nomination deadline: TBA
Laureate announcement: TBA